Mazdaspeed A-Spec body kit – opinions?
 

A friend of mine was obsessed with finding this model a while ago – he described it as an FD with "weird headlights". I think he saw it in the first two Gran Turismo games.

You don't see many of these around any more. It's not my favorite kit, but it is distinctive. Thoughts?

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...fdbf1c5b23.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...838f9b2773.jpg

I'm under the impression that many people dislike this bumper for various reasons, but I personally love it. If I ever replaced the stock bumper on my FD this would be my first choice.

Love it or hate it you have to admit that it really flows with the stock FD lines. Some bumpers just seem to futuristic or have sharp lines and edges that do not complement the rest of the stock body.

If you wan to get a better idea of this bumper check out the british episode Wheeler Dealers, the rx7 in the episode has it:

https://youtu.be/ac_af25ikUI

Love the way it looks, especially in this photo:

Attachment 592616

I love the A-Spec bumper but for me, the GTC bumper is the way to go. The A-spec is perfect for the zenki FD's as its styled around the times when large fog lights were the thing to have and it followed the curves of the FD well. More modern body kits add vents everywhere or weird angles so seeing the A-Spec is refreshing. I wouldn't mind having this bumper for my FD though i would probably tint the foglights a bit.

I like it too. I think it shows a nice step in the evolution between the 93-98 front end and the 99+ style. I also agree it flows well with the stock body lines.

However, I think you need to be a certified member of the RedSuns to install it. Not sure if the bylaws have changed on that or not. ;)

Initial D started it. I like it, but it's polarizing. I like it better when the light housings stay blacked out.

This picture does it justice though. Gives kind of a widebody stance to.

That's a great episode. I don't like the graphics they applied to the car, but it was wonderful to see the intercooler and radiator upgrade done so nicely, as well as the tuning.

It's certainly a "different" looking bumper, but I think it grows on you after a while ^_^

Same here. I do love the A-Spec kit but I still can't find love for MS02 wheels.

where can I find this bumper ?

They are few and far between - but they're around. Keep your eyes peeled or talk to a JDM importer.

And if its in good shape be ready to cash out around 2k stateside for it :nod:

i think it would look a lot better if the lights did not have the black out line around them, it sticks out too much

Unless your FD is black :coolkid01

Smoked lenses would be nice, too.

I have always loved the A-spec front bumper because it reminds me of the 1st gen RX-7s tuned for racing by Moon Craft. I love the old FC Pro Shop Wave front end too for the same reason.


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...446745dcce.jpg



https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a2120e0c9e.jpg


If I ever decide I can put up with the fragility of a fiberglass front end and the bump into a higher racing class I will try searching one out or working a fake into fitting. Just the bumper of the A-spec kit for me though.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e360ec40ee.jpg

I'll just suck it up and do a 99 spec lol although I lust over the Aspec bumper deep down inside ... because initial D ..aahhhh the child hood memorise

Agreed, which is why I'm a fan of painting the fog/signal area behind the cover a flat black.

I have 2 authentic and one replica in my garage. And a set of black MS-02 wheels. Definitely a fan, and have to say it was because of Initial D 3rd and 4th stage.

I wasn't aware that they ever made replicas of that bumper. Who/what/where did you get it? Are they still available? (I'm only curious because those damned fog light covers are IMPOSSIBLE to replace, and I'd love to pick up a spare set or so.. :lol:)

I've always been a fan of the A-spec since using it in the original Gran Turismo when I was a kid.
They occasionally come up for sale in the UK, but are getting pretty rare these days.

Yup, that's where I got mine from. A fellow out by the lakes district was breaking a Jap import and I saw him advertising it on FDUK, I snapped it up before moving back to the states.

That's the problem, the replicas don't come with lights or lenses so your still hooped. I bought the replica to repair one of the authentic bumpers that someone cut out the cross bar. It was on ebay 3 or 4 years ago, haven't seen them since.

Ah, that sucks.. I remember contacting Shine several years back about having them potentially make some 1-off covers, but the time and expense wasn't worth it for them in the end (which is completely understandable), so I'll just have to keep what I've got :lol:

I was, however, able to get a friend to draw up a CAD file for a turn signal replacement, and I've now got LED turn signal/running lights in a nice looking black aluminum housing. Now I just need to get all the work done to put the car back on the road!! :lol:

It's a sense of nostalgic . I don't mind it, but the rims are one of the ugliest wheels I've ever seen.

Would be interested in an a-spec replica with updated LED features if Shine or another reputable company produced one. A classic retro look with modern features would bring us closer to what the Porsche guys get with Singer :)